NEW YORK -- Despite a weak economy and soaring transportationcosts, the New York glitz seems to have high appeal this weekend inattracting a throng of 1,670 credit union executives and guests forone of CUNA's big annual meetings, America's Credit UnionConference & Expo at the Hilton New York.

"This is the highest level of attendance for this conferencesince 1997 and up 8% from last year's turnout plus our exhibit hallhas sold out all its space," said Mark Wolff, senior vicepresident-communications.

Wolff attributed the good turnout in spite of $4+ gas andskyrocketing airline fares to a packed agenda with such topics asmergers, viral marketing, Zopa networking and CEO evaluations plusa list of popular authors and speakers.